Norse mythology a guide to gods heroes rituals and beliefs

Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs John Lindow OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS Norse Mythology This page intentionally left blank Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs John Lindow 3 Oxford New York Auckland Bangkok Buenos Aires Cape Town Chennai Dar es Salaam Delhi Hong Kong Istanbul Karachi Kolkata Kuala Lumpur Madrid Melbourne Mexico City Mumbai Nairobi São Paulo Shanghai Singapore Taipei Tokyo Toronto and an associated company in Berlin Copyright © 2001 by John Lindow First published by ABC-Clio 130 Cremona Drive, P.O Box 1911 Santa Barbara, California 93116-1911 First issued as an Oxford University Press paperback, 2002 198 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016 www.oup.com Oxford is a registered trademark of Oxford University Press All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of Oxford University Press Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Lindow, John [Handbook of Norse mythology] Norse mythology: a guide to the Gods, heroes, rituals, and beliefs / by John Lindow p cm Includes bibliographical references and index ISBN 0-19-515382-0 (pbk.: alk paper) Mythology, Norse I.Title BL860.L56 2001 293'.13—dc21 2001058370 10 Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper CONTENTS A Note on Orthography, xv Introduction, The Historical Background, The Indo-European Background, 30 Cult, Worship, and Sacrifice, 33 The Importance of Scandinavian Mythology, 36 Time, 39 The Nature of Mythic Time, 39 Mythic Past, Present, and Future, 40 Cyclical Time, 42 Time and Space, 43 Myth, Narrative, and Language, 44 Myth and History, 45 Deities, Themes, and Concepts, 47 Ỉgir, 47 Ỉgir’s Daughters, 49 Ỉsir, 49 Ỉsir-Vanir War, 51 Álfablót, 53 Álfheim (Elf-land), 54 Alfưdr (All-father), 55 Almáttki áss, 55 Alvíssmál, 56 Andhrímnir (Sooty-in-front), 58 Andlang, 58 Andvari (Careful), 58 Angrboda (She-who-offers-sorrow), 59 v vi Contents Árvak and Alsvin (Early-awake and Very-swift), 59 Ása-Thor (Thor-of-the-ỉsir), 61 Ás-Brú (Ỉsir-bridge), 61 Ásgard (Enclosure-of-the-ỉsir), 61 Ask (Ash-tree) and Embla, 62 Atla, 63 Audhumla, 63 Aurboda (Gravel-offerer), 64 Aurgelmir (Mud-yeller), 64 Aurvandil, 65 Baldr, 65 Baldrs Draumar (Baldr’s Dreams), 70 Báleyg (Flame-eye), 71 Barri, 71 Baugi (Ring-shaped), 72 Beli, 73 Bergbúa tháttr (The Tale of the Mountain-dweller), 73 Bergelmir (Bear-yeller, Mountain-yeller, or Bare-yeller), 74 Berserks, 75 Bestla, 77 Beyla, 78 Bil and Hjúki, 78 Bileyg (Wavering-eye), 79 Billing’s Girl, 79 Bilrưst, 80 Bilskírnir, 81 Bláin, 82 Bưlthor(n), 82 Bound Monster, 82 Bous, 84 Bracteates, 84 Bragi, 86 Breidablik, 88 Brimir, 88 Brísinga men, 88 Brokk, 89 Bur, Bor (Son), 90 Búri, 90 Byggvir, 90 Byleist (Byleipt, Byleift), 91 Contents Dag (Day), 91 Dáin (Dead), 92 Delling, 92 Dísablót, 93 Dísir, 95 Draupnir (Dripper), 97 Duneyr, 98 Durathrór, 98 Dvalin (Delayed), 98 Dwarfs, 99 Eggthér, 102 Egil, 102 Eikinskjaldi (With-an-oaken-shield), 103 Eikthyrnir (Oak-encircler), 103 Ein(d)ridi (Lone-rider), 103 Einherjar (Lone-fighters), 104 Eir, 105 Eiríksmál, 105 Eistla, 106 Eitri, 106 Eldhrímnir (Fire-sooty), 107 Eldir, 107 Élivágar (Hailstorm-waves), 108 Elli (Old-age), 109 Elves, 109 Eyrgjafa, 111 Falhófnir (Pale-hoofed), 111 Fárbauti (Anger-striker), 111 Fenrir, 111 Fensalir (Bog-halls), 114 Fimafeng, 115 Fimbul-, 115 Fjalar (Deceiver), 115 Fjưlnir, 116 Fjưlvar, 117 Fjưrgyn, 117 Fólkvang (People-field or Army-field), 118 Fornjót, 118 Forseti (Chairman), 119 Freki (Ravenous-one), 120 vii viii Contents Frey, 121 Freyja (Lady), 126 Frigg, 128 Fródi, 130 Fulla, 132 Galdrar, 132 Game of the Gods, 133 Garm, 134 Gefjon, 135 Gefn, 137 Geirröd, 137 Gerd, 138 Geri (Ravenous-one), 139 Gestumblindi (One-blind-to-guests?), 139 Gimlé, 140 Ginnunga Gap, 141 Gísl, 142 Gjallarbrú, 142 Gjallarhorn (Screaming-horn), 143 Gjálp, 144 Glad (Glad), 144 Gladsheim, 144 Glær (Glassy), 145 Gleipnir, 145 Glen, 146 Glitnir, 146 Gná, 146 Gnipahellir (Gnipa-cave), 147 Gods, Words for, 147 Greip (Grip), 149 Gríd, 149 Grímnismál, 150 Grottasưng, 151 Gullinborsti (Gold-bristle), 153 Gullintanni (Gilded-tooth), 154 Gulltopp (Gold-top), 154 Gullveig, 154 Gungnir, 155 Gunnlöd, 156 Gyllir, 156 Index Hnitbjörg, 156, 225 Hnoss, 126, 177, 181, 246 Höd, 27, 42, 66, 84, 177–79, 180, 220, 233, 312 Baldr and, 68–70, 179, 257, 309, 311, 318, 325 Hermód and, 173 meaning of, 69 vengeance on, 70 Hoddmímir’s forest, 179, 209, 232 Hœnir, 14, 52, 53, 58, 62, 100, 121, 179–81, 257, 287, 322 Ask/Embla and, 179 Idun and, 198 Lódur and, 212 Loki and, 180, 217 Mímir and, 230 Njörd and, 241 Odin and, 180 Thjazi and, 180 Hóflátr, 278 Hófvarpnir, 146, 147 Hưgni, 16, 175, 194, 280 Höll, 189 Holtsmark, Anne, 78, 315 Höpt, 49, 148 Hörgr, 34 “Horizontale und vertikale Achsen in der vorchristlichen skandinavischen Kosmologie” (Clunies Ross and Schjødt), 43 Hörn, 126, 181 Høtherus, 263 Balderus and, 68, 178 Bous and, 84 death of, 68 Nanna and, 68, 84, 178, 236 Hræsvelg, 181–82, 305 Hrafnkels saga, 26, 125 Hraudung, 150, 182 Hredel, death of, 69 Hreidgoths, 273 Hreidmar, 58, 100, 101 Hríd, 189, 240 Hrímfaxi, 182, 246, 305 Hrímgrímnir, 183 Hrímnir, 58, 107, 165, 263 Hringhorni, 183, 196 Hródrsvitnir, 113, 164, 184, 298 Hródvitnir, 164, 184, 273 Hrönn, 49, 189 Hropt, 90, 145, 185, 197, 308 Hroptaty´r, 101 Hrungnir, 41, 127, 147, 152, 185–86, 204 killing of, 162 Sleipnir and, 275 Thjálfi and, 286 Thor duel with, 16, 19, 65, 103, 185, 215, 221, 275, 285, 287, 291, 306, 310 Hugi, 285, 303 Hugin and Munin, 186–88 depiction, 187 (illus.) Hundingus, 158 Hunke, Waltraud, on Bestla, 77 Hunting game, 133 Húsdrápa (Úlf Uggason), 15, 88, 154, 168, 197 Baldr’s funeral in, 67, 153 on Hyrrokkin, 196 on Slídrugtanni, 277 Hvedrung, 113, 188, 313, 314 Hvergelmir, 103, 142, 144, 188–89, 207, 240, 308, 320, 321 Hversu Noregr byggdisk, 48, 118, 119, 214 Hymir, 41, 47, 102, 189–91, 214, 229, 243 depiction of, 190 (illus.) Thor and, 13, 192, 287 Ty´r and, 298 Hymiskvida, 13, 161, 177, 191–93, 214, 294 Ỉgir and, 47 on Egil, 102 Élivágar and, 109 on Hymir, 189 on Midgard serpent, 192 Ty´r in, 298 Hyndla, 166, 174 Freyja and, 127, 173, 194, 195 351 352 Index Hyndluljód, 59, 63, 64, 100, 106, 111, 149, 157, 165, 169, 170, 194–96, 221, 323 Freyja in, 127, 153 Gjálp in, 144 Hermód/Sigmund in, 173 Hildisvíni in, 173 on Járnsaxa, 204 on Ĩd, 246 Ĩttar in, 153 on Skadi, 268 on Sleipnir, 275 on Váli, 310 Hyrrokkin, 67, 183, 196–97, 209, 288 Ibn Fadlan, on Nanna, 236 Iceland conversion of, 9, 14, 17 immigration to, sagas of, 21–22, 26, 35, 75 Idavöll, 197–98, 308, 311 Idi, 152 Idols, 35 Idun, 18, 86, 88, 101, 127, 198–99, 242, 268 betrayal of, 16 Loki and, 41 Thjazi and, 287 Ifing, 200, 305 Imdr, 169 Indra, 33 Ing, 200–201 Ingaevones, 200 Ingunar, 201 Ingunar-Frey, 200, 201 Ingvaeones, 200, 201 Ingwina, 201 Interpretatio Germanica, 33, 36, 129, 202–3, 260 Interpretatio Romana, 203–4 Introduction l’histoire de Dannemarc, ou l’on traite de la religion, des loix, des moeurs, et des usages des anciens danois (Mallet), translation of, 37 Iron Age Germanic, 3, Roman, Scandinavian, 3, Ísarnkól, 61, 278 Isis, 203, 204 Íslendingabók (Ari Thorgilsson the Learned), 21 Íslendingasưgur, 26 Istaevones, 296 Ítrek, 134 Ívaldi, 100, 124, 270 Ívarr Ijómi, 175, 280 Jafnhár, 19, 21, 23, 80, 86 Jarl, Módir and, 261 Járnsaxa, 169, 204, 221 Járnvid, 102, 204–5 Járnvidja, Járnvidjur, 205, 222 Jelling heath, 130 Jelling rune stone, Jưkull, 119 Jómsvikings, 84, 160 Jưrd, 105, 161, 205–6, 237 names for, 117 Thor and, 287 Jörmungand, 59, 111, 229 Jötnar, 2, 41, 42, 47, 61, 64, 101, 122, 190 ỉsir and, 92, 93 Jưtunheimar, 92, 93, 59, 67, 99, 112, 133, 135, 136, 196, 199, 206, 246, 287, 294, 297, 302, 303 The Journal of Structural Anthropology, 43 Judeo-Christian tradition, 39, 75, 324 Jungner, Hugo, 129 Jupiter, 45, 203, 260 Thursday and, 202 Jutland, 2, 5, 118 Kabell, Aage, 72 Kálfsvísa, 157 Kára, 49 Kári, 48, 119 Karl, 84, 260 Kennings, 18, 23, 44, 99, 128, 135, 161 dating myths and, 17 skalds and, 17 Kerlaug, Kerlaugar, 81, 290 Index Kettle, 193, 225 Kin groups, Kirk Andreas, 313 Kólga, 49 Kon, 261 Konr ungr, 261 Kưr, 172, 240 Kormák Ưgmundarson, 54, 242, 262, 310 Kormáks saga, 54, 242 Körmt, 81, 290 Kuhn, Adalbert, 31 Kvasir, 52, 67, 100, 116, 206–7, 225 blood of, 252, 284 Kvenland, 118 Kviƒuháttr, 160 Lærad, 103, 166, 188, 207, 308 Lake Mälaren, 2, 3, 4, 11, 23, 135 Lancashire, cross at, 211 (illus.) Landnámabók, 55, 56 Lang, Andrew, 31 Langobards, 129 Language, 5, 44 branches/families, 30–31 disease of, 31 Germanic, 14 Indo-European, 30–33 Scandinavian, shared, 31 Lapps, 118 Last Judgment, 83, 234 Laufás Edda, 37 Laufey, 207–8, 216, 281 Nál and, 235 names for, 235 Law, society/religion and, 34 Laxdœla saga, Úlf Uggason and, 16 Learned Prehistory, 94, 116, 124, 136, 158 Leipt, 189, 240 Léttfeti, 208 Lexikon der germanischen Mythologie (Simek), 56 Líf, 179, 209, 257, 306 Life of St Willebrord (Alcuin), 120 Lífthrasir, 179, 209, 257, 306 Lindisfarne, sacking of, Linear system, 39, 42–43 Liserus, 158, 277 Lit, 67, 209–10, 288 Ljóƒ, 133 Ljóƒaháttr, 14, 15, 56, 133, 150, 161, 214, 304 Ljódatal, 50, 165, 210–11 on Odin, 248 Loddfáfnir, 211, 212 Loddfáfnismál, 165, 211–12 Lódur, 62, 179, 212–13 Lœding, 112, 145 Lof, 213 Lofat, 213 Lofn, 213 Logathore, 213 Logi, 48, 119, 213–14 eating contest and, 303 Lögrinn, 135, 136 Lokasenna, 13, 44, 47, 48, 67, 78, 83, 111, 113, 115, 124, 136, 177, 214–16, 219, 241, 266, 267, 269, 288, 303 æsir/álfar in, 50 Bragi in, 87 Byggvir and, 90, 91 on einherjar, 105 on Eldir, 107 Fjörgyn in, 117 Freyja in, 127 Gefjon in, 135 on Gymir, 156 on Heimdall, 170 Hródrsvitnir in, 164 on Hródvitnir, 184 on Hymir, 190 Hymiskvida and, 191 Ingunar-Frey in, 201 Jörd and, 205 on Loki, 219, 237, 298 on Muspell, 234 on Njörd, 243 on Skadi, 269 on Skry´mir, 273 on Ty´r, 297, 298 on Valhöll, 309 on Vili/Vé, 316 353 354 Index Lokerus, lord of Kurland, 277 Loki, 13, 14, 26, 27, 40, 68, 83, 86, 88, 101, 102, 115, 137, 153, 167, 168, 175, 216–20, 254, 281, 287, 288, 294, 302, 314 Ỉgir and, 215 Andvari and, 59 Angrboda and, 59 Baldr and, 66, 70, 178, 206, 214, 215, 236, 267, 309 Beyla and, 78 Bragi and, 87 Brísinga people and, 89 Brokk and, 90, 107 Byggvir and, 90 Byleist and, 91 capture/punishment of, 206 children of, 70 demonization of, 303 depiction, 216 (illus.), 217 (illus.) earthquakes and, 215 eating contest and, 303 Eldir and, 108 Fárbauti and, 111 Fenrir and, 114 Fimafeng and, 107 Frey and, 124, 242 Freyja and, 127, 293 Frigg and, 44, 129 Gefjon and, 135 goat laming by, 193 Heimdall and, 16, 169 Hel and, 172 Höd and, 179 Hœnir and, 180 Hvedrung and, 188 Idun and, 16, 41, 198, 199 insults by, 219 Laufey and, 207–8 Lódur and, 212, 213 Logi and, 213 Lopt and, 220 Midgard serpent and, 229 names for, 220 Nari/Narfi and, 236, 237 Njörd and, 190, 241, 242, 243 Odin and, 42, 280, 297 Otr and, 58 pregnancy of, 196 Ragnarök and, 310 Rán and, 258 Sif and, 17, 89, 100, 106, 266 Sigyn and, 267 Skadi and, 269 Skry´mir and, 273 Sleipnir and, 274, 275 Svadilfari and, 62 Thjazi and, 180 Thor and, 50, 105, 215, 286, 288, 303 Thrym and, 295 Ty´r and, 111–12, 113, 184, 297, 298 Váli and, 309 Loki Fárbautason, 208 Loki Laufeyjarson, 208 Lopt, 220 Lódur and, 212–13 Loricus, 22 Lúƒr, 75, 324 Luote/luotte, 35 Lút, 209 Lyngvi, 112, 297 Magni, 42, 169, 179, 180, 186, 204, 220–21, 286, 306, 311, 314 Módi and, 233, 257 Sif and, 266 Thor and, 287 Magnús Bareleg, 71 Magnús Ólafsson, 37 Magnus Olsen, 71, 122 Mallet, Paul Henri, Edda and, 37 Málsháttakvædi, 113, 298 Mánagarm, 135, 221–22, 223 Máni, 222–23 Mundilfœri and, 233 Sól and, 146, 222, 233, 278–79 Männerbünde, 76 Mannjafnaƒr, 162 Mannus, 200, 223, 296 Manuscript writing, Christianity and, 10–11 Mardöll, 126, 224 Index Mars, 45, 203, 204, 299 Monday and, 202 Masked One, 150 Matres and Matrones, 224, 224 (illus.) Mauss, Marcel, 32 Mead of poetry, 41, 165, 224–27 Kvasir and, 206 Odin and, 193, 284 Ódrerir and, 252 Medieval cosmology, 230 Meili, 162, 227 Meillet, Antoine, 32 Meletinskij, Eleazar, 43, 321 Menglưd, 64, 105 Menja, 152 Mennón, 22 Mercury, 203, 204 Wednesday and, 202 Merseburg Charms, 86, 227–28, 132, 227 Midgard, 205, 228–29, 256, 302, 303, 316, 323 Midgard serpent, 13, 41, 42, 43, 59, 61–62, 70, 83, 111, 112, 198, 208, 229–30, 254, 297, 303 brooch, 229 (illus.) Fenrir and, 114 fishing for, 189, 190 (illus.), 191, 192, 193, 230 Hel and, 172 Loki and, 217 Odin and, 240, 251 Thor and, 16, 27, 192, 287–88 Migration Period, 3, 28, 84, 188, 202 Mím, 59, 143, 144, 170, 171, 230–32 Mímameid, 179, 232 Mími, 230–32 Mímir, 24, 52, 53, 121, 143, 179, 230–32, 301 Hœnir and, 180 Odin and, 180 well of, 232 Mímisbrunn, 143, 231, 301, 320 Missionaries, Mistletoe, 68, 114, 178 Mithothyn, 129, 158, 316 Mithra, 32 Mjöll, 119 Mjöllnir, 19, 90, 100, 107, 186, 209, 220, 257, 270, 302, 314 giant slayings and, 221 Módi and, 233 Módgud, 66, 142, 173, 232 Módi, 42, 179, 180, 220, 233, 306, 311, 314 Magni and, 257 Sif and, 266 Thor and, 287 Módir, Jarl and, 261 Mưgr, 111 Móinn, 320 Mưkkurkálfi, 185, 285, 286 Mother Earth, 33, 237 Mótsognir, 99, 318 Moving days, Mudspell, 234 Müller, Max, myth theory of, 31 Mundilfœri, 146, 222, 233, 278, 305 Munin See Hugin and Munin Múnón, 22 Musiplli, 234 Muspell, 80, 141, 234, 240, 270, 283 Muspellsheim, 141, 234, 278 My´sing, Fródi and, 152 The Myth of the Eternal Return (Eliade), 43 Mythic past/present/future, 40–42, 206, 221 Mythic-heroic sagas, 27 Mythology, 9–10, 11, 15 comparative, 31, 32 gods and, 36 history and, 45 immanence of, 44 Indo-European, 32 kennings and, 17 nature, 31–32 Norse, 33, 37, 38 religion and, Scandinavian, 1–2, 10, 26, 27–28, 36–37, 39, 42 time periods of, 355 356 Index Nabbi, 174 Naglfar, 235, 270 Naglfari, 92, 235, 246 Nágrind, 122, 172, 183 Nál, 208, 216, 235, 281 Nanna, 27, 41, 194, 236 Balderus and, 68, 178 Baldr’s funeral and, 41 death of, 67, 209 Forseti and, 119 Frigg and, 173 Høtherus and, 68, 178 Nanna Nepsdóttir, 66, 236 Narfi, 92, 93, 217, 236–37 Jưrd and, 206 Nari and, 309 Nótt and, 246 Sigyn and, 267 Váli and, 310 Nari, 217, 236–37 Narfi and, 309 Sigyn and, 267 Near future, 42 Near past, 40, 206 Nep, 236 Nerthus, 33, 34, 131, 200, 237–38, 242, 243 Das Nibelungenlied (Wagner), 37 Nidafjöll, 239, 267 Nidavellir, 239–40, 267 Nídhưgg, 189, 239, 240, 254, 259, 320, 321 Nidi, 239, 267 Niflheim, 141, 172, 188, 234, 240–41, 320 Niflhel, 240–41, 276 Njörd, 24, 36, 52, 53, 55, 56, 96, 127, 130, 147, 155, 199, 241–43, 253, 271, 311 Frey and, 121, 214, 270 Freyja and, 126, 270 Hadingus and, 157, 158 Loki and, 190 Odin and, 306 sacrifices and, 280 Sæming and, 264 Skadi and, 40, 41, 122, 161, 268, 269 Thor and, 190 at Thrymheim, 293 Uppsalir and, 25 water and, 237 Noah, 261 Nóatún, 241, 268, 293 Nökkvi, 194 Nönn, 189 Nör, 91, 93, 119, 237, 246, 305 Nordal, Sigurƒur, on Billing’s girl, 79 Nordri, 101 Nưrfi, 92, 92, 93, 237 Jưrd and, 206 Nótt and, 246 Nornegraut, 245 Norns, 243–45 Northern Antiquities: Or, A Description of The Manners, Customs, Religions and Laws of The Ancient Danes, and Other Northern Nations (Mallet), 37 Northumbria, 313 Nưt, 189 Nótt, 91, 93, 182, 246 Dag and, 92 Jörd and, 205 Naglfari and, 235 Narfi and, 237 Nyt, 189 Ód, 117, 126, 137, 246–47, 250 Freyja and, 129, 181, 224 hnoss and, 177 Hœnir and, 179 Odin and, 127 Oddrúnargrátr, 129 Odense, 36 Odin, 14, 21, 22, 26, 28, 32, 34–36, 40, 48, 52, 53, 58, 62, 64, 83, 85, 86, 99, 116, 150, 153, 175, 203, 214, 247–52, 256, 260 æsir/álfar and, 50 almáttki áss and, 56 Baldr and, 65, 67, 134, 140, 228, 306, 307 battles of, berserks and, 75 Index children of, 172 cross-dressing and, 295 death of, 114 depiction of, 218 (illus.), 251 (illus.), 275 (illus.) described, 24, 30, 38, 165 Fenrir and, 113, 114, 163, 230, 299 Frigg and, 128, 304 Geirröd and, 95, 151, 162, 212 Gunnlöd and, 156, 165, 226 journeys of, 24 Loki and, 42, 217, 219, 280, 297 magic arts of, 132 mead of poetry and, 193, 226, 227, 284 myths of, 41 names for, 71, 188 pledge of, 232 Ragnarök and, 306, 310, 311 Rind and, 27, 68, 179, 185, 262 ring of, 19, 155 sacrifice of, 41, 69, 165 seeress and, 70 shamanism and, 25 Skídbladnir and, 270, 271, 272 Sleipnir and, 274, 275, 276 spear of, 19, 89, 98, 100, 106, 217 Suttung and, 72, 284 Thor and, 13, 161, 162, 186, 215, 221, 287, 288, 304 Vafthrúdnir and, 13, 92, 240, 278, 304, 305, 306, 322 Váli and, 237, 262, 310 Völuspá and, 318 Wednesday and, 202 Yggdrasil and, 57, 319, 321 Ynglinga saga and, 23 Odin cult, 68, 76, 105 Odin poems, 13, 317 Ĩƒinn, 28 Ĩdinsey, 24 Ưdlingar, 194 Ódrerir, 225, 249, 252 Ofnir, 320 Ögmund, 125, 253 Ögmundar tháttr dytts ok Gunnars Helmings, 33, 125, 131, 200, 253 Ókólnir, 88 Olaf, 125, 253 Olaf Haraldsson, death of, Óláf pái, 16, 67, 277 Olaf Tryggvason, 7, 9, 96, 125, 174, 175, 253, 280 Old Ásgard, 55 Old English, 14, 15 Old High German, 14, 15, 34, 234 Old Norse and Finnish Cultic Religions and Place Names (Ahlbäck), 43 Old Saxon, 14, 15 Old Testament, 261 Old Uppsala, pagan temple at, 322 Ollerus, 263, 299 Olo, murder of, 282 Olrik, Axel, 83 Öndur-goƒ, 147 Oral tradition, 9–10, 12 Orchard, Andy, 102 Orkneyinga saga, 48, 118, 214 Örmt, 81, 290 Örvar-Odds saga (Hjálmar), 157 Oseberg funeral ship, 199, 184, 184 (illus.) Ĩskópnir, 80, 283 Othinus, 128, 129, 263 Bous and, 84 Frigga and, 316 Rind and, 262 Rinda and, 68 Váli and, 311 Otr, 100 death of, 58, 101, 180 Óttar, 166, 195, 196 Freyja and, 153, 174, 194 genealogy of, 194 Paganism, 7, 9, 26, 34, 35, 39, 45 Christians and, origins of, 21 Satan and, 22 Paul the Deacon, 129 Peace of Fródi, 25, 116, 124, 130, 131, 152 Percy, Bishop, translation by, 37 Persephone, 68 Phol, 227, 228 357 358 Index Picture stones, 255 (illus.), 272, 276 (illus.) Place-names, 2, 33, 97, 128 cult/nature, 30 dísir and, 95 Frey and, 125 Njörd and, 243 Odin and, 36 Thor and, 37 Ull and, 301 Poetic Edda (Snorri), 12, 37, 52, 58, 67, 110, 193 on Frigg, 132 on hierarchy, 215 on Odin, 248 See also Codex Regius of the Poetic Edda Poppo, Harald Bluetooth and, Priam, 22 Prime-signed, Prolonged Echoes (Clunies Ross), 43 Proserpina, 68 Proto-Germanic, 28, 30 Proto-Indo-European, 28, 30, 31 Public ritual, 34 Ráƒbani, 310 Ragnar Lodbrók, 15–16 Ragnarưk, 19, 42–45, 50, 57, 74, 80, 104, 109, 111, 113, 116, 118, 120, 134, 135, 140, 163, 164, 170, 195, 198–99, 239, 254–58 Baldr’s death and, 69, 70 bound monster at, 82, 83 depiction of, 256 (illus.), 257 (illus.) einherjar at, 175 Fimbulvetr and, 115 Frey at, 122 game of the gods and, 133 Gerd at, 139 Höd and, 179 Hœnir and, 180 Loki and, 219, 310 Máni at, 223 Midgard serpent and, 230 Mímir and, 231 Muspell and, 234 Naglfar at, 235 Nídhưgg at, 239 Odin and, 106, 251, 306, 310, 311 onset of, 143, 168, 231, 318 parts of, 257 ragna in, 147–48 Sól during, 279 Surt and, 282 surviving, 209, 220–21, 233, 310, 314 Vídar and, 314 Ragnarøkkr, 254 Ragnarsdrápa (Bragi Boddason the Old), 16, 135, 175, 192 on Thrúd, 291 Rán, 17, 58–59, 169, 258–59 Ỉgir and, 47 daughters of, 49 Ratatosk, 239, 259, 320, 321 Rati, 225 Raven-god, 188 Ref Gestsson, on Gymir/Ỉgir, 156 Refrain poems, 15 Regin, 147, 148, 160 Regindómr, 148 Reginkunnr, 148 Reginsmál, 14, 37, 58, 95, 116, 258 on Máni, 222 on norns, 245 Reginπing, 148 Reginvitleysa, 148 Regnator Omnium Deus, 259–60 Regnhild, Hadingus and, 158 Reidgotaland, 22 Religion law/society and, 34 myth and, Reliques of Ancient Poetry, Percy and, 37 Das Rheingold (Wagner), 37 Ríg, 169, 260, 261 Rígsthula, 14, 84, 169, 260–62 Rind, 178, 262–63, 265 Jörd and, 205 Odin and, 27, 179, 185 Váli and, 310, 314 Rinda, 262 Bous and, 314 Index Othinus and, 68 rape of, 68, 84, 299 Váli and, 311 Ring Cycle (Wagner), 254 Der Ring des Nibelungen (Wagner), 37 Ritual, study of, 33 Roftarus, 185 Rofterus, 185 Rögnvald Ingunar-Frey and, 201 Yngvi and, 326 Rögnvald heidumheiri Óláfsson, 16 Rök, rune stone from, 11 (illus.) Roman Empire, 3, 202 Röskva, 193, 263, 302 Egil and, 102 Thjálfi and, 285 Thor and, 304 Rúnatal, 165, 248 Rune Poem, 200, 201 Rune stone, (illus.), 10 (illus.), 11 (illus.), 230 (illus.) 275 (illus.), 300 (illus.) Runes, 7, 9–12, 85, 104, 167 Sacred grove, 34 Sacred rock, 34 Sacrifice, 33–36 Sỉhrímnir, 58, 104, 107, 166, 263–64, 308 Sỉming, 23, 264 Sæmund Sigfússon the Learned, 12 Sága, 264–65 Saga of Olaf Tryggvason, 253 Sagas Icelandic, 21–22, 26, 35, 75 mythic-heroic, 27 Sagas of Icelanders, 26, 35, 75 Sámi, 24, 25, 34, 118, 315 Satan, pagans and, 22 Saxo Grammaticus, 71, 124, 127, 128, 157, 262, 263, 276, 316 on Baldr, 68, 311 Bous and, 84 on euhemerism, 27 Fródi and, 45 on Frotho, 131 history by, 26–27 on Starkad, 281 on Thorkillus, 138 on Ull, 301 Saxons, Scandinauja¯, Scandinavian Bronze Age, Scandinavian mythology, 1–2, 26 Christians and, 10 chronology of, 39, 42 importance of, 36–37 time system of, 39 understanding, 27–28 “Scandinavian Mythology as a System” (Meletinskij), 43 Schjødt, Jens Peter, 43 Schröder, Franz Rolf, 193 Scyldingas, 136 Sea-Sleipnir, 197, 277 Seid, 25, 52, 127, 155, 265–66 Seland, 135, 136 Selund, 135 Semnones, 148 Sessrúmnir, 118, 126 Shaggy-Fáfnir, 211 Shamanism, Odin and, 25 Shield poems, 16 “Short Völuspá,” 59, 106, 111, 149, 166, 169, 195 Gjálp in, 144 Hyndluljód and, 194 on Skadi, 268 on Sleipnir, 275 on Váli, 310 Síbil See Sif Síd, 189 Sidgrani, 57 Sídu-Hall, 96, 97 Sif, 22, 127, 215, 221, 266, 299 golden hair of, 19, 98, 155, 270 hair of, 100 headpiece of, 217 Járnsaxa and, 204 Loki and, 17, 89, 100, 106 Módi and, 233 Thor and, 287 Sigarus, 71 359 360 Index Sigfather, 113, 313 Sighvatr Thórdarson, verse by, 53, 54 Sigmund, 106, 173, 194 Signe, 71 Sigrdrífumál, 59, 150, 231 words for god in, 147 Sigtúnir, 23, 24 Sigty´r, 299 Sigurd, 14, 37, 194 Fáfnir and, 282 Hnikar and, 95 Loddfáfnismál and, 211 norns and, 245 Sigurdurdrápa, 262, 310 Sigyn, 58, 83, 215, 217, 267, 269 Simek, Rudolf, 56 Sindri, 239, 267 Sinfjötli, 106 Singasteinn, 168 Sinthgunt, 227 Siwardus, 185 Sjỉlland, 3, 135, 136 Sjưfn, 268 Skadi, 18, 96, 121, 147, 205, 215, 268–70, 292 Freyja and, 126 Háleygjatal and, 160–61 Loki and, 219 Njörd and, 40, 41, 161, 241 Odin and, 161 Sæming and, 264 Thjazi and, 219, 242, 287 Thrymheim and, 293 vengeance by, 199 Skævad, 157 Skaldic poetry, 23, 25, 44, 47, 188 Christian Iceland and, 17 described, 15, 17, 18 Skalds, 15, 18, 97, 323 kennings and, 17 Odin and, 155 Skáldskaparmál (Snorri), 18, 19, 21, 23, 40, 41 Skåne, Skídbladnir, 19, 89, 98, 100, 106, 123–24, 134, 155, 217, 270–72 Skilfingar, 194 Skínfaxi, 92, 272–73, 305 Skírnir, 98, 121, 122, 145, 173 Alfưdr and, 112, 297 apples of gold and, 199 Frey and, 71 Gerd and, 13, 138 Hrímgrímnir and, 183 Skírnismál, 40, 71, 73, 108, 161, 199, 269 æsir/álfar in, 50 Frey in, 13, 121, 131, 176 Grímnismál and, 150 Gymir and, 156 Skjöld, 130, 136, 151 Skjöldunga saga, 130 Skjöldungar, 22, 136, 151–52, 194 Skögul, 159 Sköll, 113, 163, 273 Skry´mir, 215, 273–74, 303 Fjalar and, 116 Thor and, 288, 302 Skuld, 40, 243, 244, 245 Skuli, jarl, 18 Sleipnir, 41, 62, 134, 140, 157, 158, 173, 185, 274–77, 275 (illus.), 276 (illus.) Slíd, 189, 240 Slídrugtanni, 124, 153, 277–78 Snỉr, 119 Snør, 260 Snorri Sturluson, 2, 15, 19, 20, 21, 26, 35 assassination of, 18 chronology and, 39 euhemerism of, 22, 27 life of, 18 mythology and, 10 paganism and, 36 prologue by, 22 Snotra, 278 Soapstone mold, 28 (illus.) Social classes, 260–62 Society, religion/law and, 34 Sœkin, 189 Sögubrot af fornkonungum, 54 Søkkvabekk, 264, 265 Sưkmímir, 101 Index Sól, 78, 278–79 Bil and, 279 Glen and, 146 Máni and, 146, 222, 233, 278–79 Mundilfœri and, 233 Solar mythologists, 31 Són, 225, 252 Sonatorrek (Egil Skallagrímsson), 16–17, 258, 259 Sørensen, Preben Meulengracht, 192 Sörla tháttr, 26, 89, 99, 100, 101, 127, 174, 175, 280–81 on Laufey, 208 on Nál/Laufey, 235 Sörli, 95 Sparlösa rune stone, detail from, 300 (illus.) Stál-goƒ, 147 Stamping dies, 248 (illus.), 249 (illus.), 250 (illus.) Starcatherus, 281 Starkad, 26, 281–82 Víkar’s death and, 69 Starkad Áludreng, 94, 281 Steingerd, 242 Steinn, 101 Steinsland, Gro, on Yggdrasil, 321–22 Sturla Thórdarson, on Gjallarbrú, 142 Sturlaugs saga starfsama, 133 Sturlung Age, 210 Sturlungar, 18 Sudri, 101 Suebi, 148, 203 Sun-Chariot, 272 (illus.) Sunna, 227 Surt, 80, 122, 139, 177, 198, 220, 254, 256, 282–83, 314 fire of, 74 Suttung, 156, 183, 225, 249, 284 Odin and, 72, 226 rape of, 73 Svadilfari, 62, 274, 275 Sváfnir, 320 Svárangr, 162 Svartálfaheim, 101, 110 Svarthöfdi, 195 Svear, Sveigdir, 101 Svein, 49, 119 Svipdagsmál, 64 Svöl, 189, 240 Sylg, 189, 240 Syn, 284 Sy´r, 126, 284 Tacitus, 33, 34, 82, 105, 131, 204, 238, 311, 325 on Germanic gods, 203 on Ing, 200 on Mannus, 223 on Nerthus, 237, 242 on Regnator Omnium Deus, 259 on Semnones, 148 on Tuisto, 296 Talismans, 290 Tanakvísl, 52 Tangelgarda rune stone, 275 (illus.) Tapestry, 251 (illus.) Tegneby, rock carving at, 271 (illus.) Thættir, 26 Theodoric, 11 Theophoric names, 30 Thidranda tháttr ok Thorhálls, 26, 96 Thidriks saga, 317 Thing–men, Thingsus, 203 Thír, 260 Thjálfi, 137, 185, 285–86, 303 Egil and, 102 goat laming by, 193 Hrungnir and, 186 Röskva and, 263 Thor and, 288, 302, 304 Thjazi, 16, 18, 40, 65, 101, 127, 152, 162, 198, 199, 287, 292 Lódur and, 212 Loki and, 217 Njörd and, 241 Skadi and, 219, 242, 268 Thrymheim and, 293 Thjódnuma, 189 361 362 Index Thjódólf of Hvin, 23, 25, 94, 101, 103, 116, 160, 198, 199, 201 on Hrungnir, 185 shield poem by, 16 on Sigyn, 267 Thjódrưrir, 50, 93, 101 Thưkk, 66, 208 Thưll, 189 Thor, 14, 34, 36, 47, 57, 61, 65, 74, 81, 89, 100, 116, 138, 150, 203, 250, 256, 260, 280, 287–91, 294 battles of, beer and, 193 Christ and, 45, 290 depiction of, 190 (illus.), 251 (illus.), 290 (illus.) dwarfs and, 110 Geirröd and, 190, 294, 313 giant slayings by, 221 Gríd and, 149, 313 home of, 292, 293 Hrungnir duel with, 16, 19, 65, 103, 185, 215, 221, 275, 285, 291, 306, 310 Hymir and, 13, 189, 192 Jörd and, 205, 206 Lit and, 209, 210 Loki and, 50, 105, 215, 217, 286, 303 Magni and, 220, 221 Midgard and, 228, 229 Midgard serpent and, 16, 27, 192, 229, 230 Odin and, 13, 161, 162, 186, 215, 221, 304 poetry and, 13, 17, 97 Skry´mir and, 273, 302 study of, 32, 33 temple of, 133 Thjálfi and, 285, 286, 302 Thursday and, 202 Útgarda-Loki and, 21, 302, 304 Thorbjưrn dísarskáld, 61, 97, 209 Thorbjưrn hornklofi, 75 Thórd, 73, 74 Thórdís, Thorvard and, 54 Thorgeir, Thorgerd, 258 Thórgrímsthula, on Sleipnir, 275 Thorhall, 96, 97 Thórir, 245 Thorkillus, 138, 303 Thorri, 119 Thor’s hammer, (illus.), 19, 28 (illus.), 68, 90, 98, 100, 107, 127, 155, 178, 185, 186, 215, 217, 220, 230 (illus.), 257, 266, 288, 288 (illus.), 289 (illus.), 293–96 See also Mjưllnir Thórsdrápa (Eilíf Godrúnarson), 16, 286 Geirrưd and, 137 on Magni, 220 Thorvard, Thórdís and, 54 Thorwald Cross, 218 (illus.) Thrall, 260 Thridi, 19, 21, 23, 86 Thrívaldi, killing of, 290 Thrúd, 287, 291–92 Thrúdgelmir, 64, 292, 305, 323 Thrúdheim, 22, 150, 292 Thrúdvangar, 81, 292, 293 Thrym, 13, 49, 101, 127, 294 Loki and, 295 Thor and, 287, 293 Thrymheim, 96, 268, 269, 293 Thrymskvida, 13, 14, 49, 50, 109, 127, 170, 177, 208, 214, 293–96 Baldrs draumar and, 70 Brísinga in, 88 Jưrd and, 205 Thulur, 23, 59, 71, 79, 111, 113, 134, 137, 142, 144, 145, 149, 154, 157, 161, 163, 171, 208, 209, 212, 268, 274, 314 Thund, 249 Thunor, 36 ∏yle, 212 ∏ylja, 212 Thyn, 189 Time, 42 mythic, 39 space and, 43–44 Tiw, 36 Tuesday and, 202 Index Tiwaz, 202 Torshøj, 30 Trákía, 22 Tróan, 22 Trolls, 47 Trór See Thor Troy, 22, 116 Tuisto, 200, 223, 296, 325 Tungl, 222 Ty´r, 28, 30, 32, 36, 41, 83, 135, 145, 172, 190, 192, 193, 204, 215, 229, 280, 297–99 bravery of, 112 Fenrir and, 214 Hymir and, 189 Loki and, 111–12, 113, 184, 288, 298 Odin and, 161 Thor and, 109, 191 Tuesday and, 202 Tyrkland, 22, 24, 45, 248, 292, 326 Úlf Uggason, 15, 67, 88, 124, 154, 168, 169, 192, 197 drápa by, 16 on Frey, 153 on Hyrrokkin, 196 on Slídrugtanni, 277 Úlfrún, 169 Ull, 150, 243, 247, 262, 269, 299–301, 310 ring of, 56 Ullin and, 127 Ullin, 127, 247 Unn, 49 Uppland, 11 Uppsala mounds, 123 (illus.) Urd, 40, 212, 243, 244, 245, 301 Urdarbrunn, 80, 245, 301, 321 Útgard, 302 Útgarda-Loki, 61, 102, 109, 116, 193, 213, 215, 217, 263, 273, 285, 302–4 Logi and, 214 Thor and, 21, 288, 302 Útgardar, 61, 303 Vafthrúdnir, 41, 64, 75, 140, 222, 233, 283, 306, 307, 324 Bergelmir and, 74, 292 Dag and, 91 Fenrir and, 113 Frigg and, 128 Hrỉsvelg and, 181 Hrímfaxi and, 182 Magni and, 220 Nótt and, 246 Odin and, 13, 92, 114, 240, 249, 304, 305, 306, 322 Surt and, 282 Ymir and, 323 Vafthrúdnismál, 13, 19, 57, 64, 74, 83, 104, 108–9, 114, 134, 140, 151, 162, 164, 179, 195, 215, 222, 233, 240, 257, 283, 304–7 Baldrs draumar and, 70 Dag in, 91 Delling in, 92 on Fenrir, 113 on Frigg, 128 on Glen, 146 Grímnismál and, 150 on Hrímfaxi, 182 on Ifing, 200 on Líf/Lífthrasir, 209 Magni in, 220 on Módi, 233 on Niflhel, 241 Nótt in, 246 Odin and, 250, 278 Skínfaxi and, 272 on Sól, 278 on Surt, 282 Thrúdgelmir in, 292 on Váli, 311 on Vídar, 314 on Ymir, 322, 323, 324 Vágasker, 168 Válaskjálf, 307 Valfödr, 55, 143, 231, 308 pledge of, 170 Völuspá and, 318 Valgrind, 172 363 364 Index Valhöll, 16, 41, 42, 61, 62, 95, 105–7, 114, 118, 120, 145, 150, 173, 174, 178, 185, 242, 250, 263, 276, 308–9 Bragi at, 87 einherjar and, 104, 175 Eirík Bloodax entry into, 159 Heidrún at, 166 human heroes at, 160 mead at, 308 Odin at, 316 Váli, 42, 68, 69, 84, 180, 198, 211, 220, 233, 236, 306, 309–11, 312, 313 Baldr and, 205 Höd and, 179 Jörd and, 205 kennings for, 67, 179 Magni and, 221 Narfi and, 310 Nari and, 237 Odin and, 247, 262 Rind and, 262, 314 vengeance by, 70, 195 Vídar and, 257, 283, 311, 314 Valkyries, 95, 96, 96 (illus.), 97, 104, 106, 150, 156, 159, 205, 276 (illus.) at Valhöll, 308 Van Hamel, A G., 72, 134 Vanadís, 96 Vanaheim, 23 Vanakvísl, 52, 280 Vanaland, 23 Vandals, 3, 129 Vanir, 24, 40, 52, 122, 126, 147, 154, 158, 170, 241, 311–12 æsir and, 41, 51, 53, 206, 225 áss and, 56 cult of, 238 Vännern, Vár, 312, 319 Várar, 312 Varin, 11 Varuna, 32 Vastergưtland, rune stone from, 300 (illus.) Vatnsdỉla saga, 75 Vättern, Vé, 24, 62, 77, 117, 128, 129, 215, 316 Bor and, 324 Bur and, 90 Frigg and, 214 Lódur and, 212 Odin and, 247 Vedrfưlnir, 312, 321 Vegsvínn, 189 Vegtam, 70 Velent, 317 Vellekla (Einar Helgason skálaglamm), 103–4, 206, 131 Vemod, 11 Vendel Period, Vendsyssel, Venus Friday and, 202 Frigg and, 204 Veraldar god, 124 Verdandi, 40, 243, 244, 245 Verland, 117 Vertical axis, irreversible nature of, 43 Vestri, 101 Víd, 189, 240 Vídar, 42, 137, 150, 179, 188, 198, 220, 233, 306, 312–15 Bragi and, 87 Gríd and, 149 Magni and, 221 Odin and, 247, 256 Váli and, 257, 283, 310, 311, 314 vengeance of, 114 Vídbláin, 315 Vídblindi, 315 Vidfinn, 78, 315 Vidólf, 195 Vidrir, 117, 129, 316 Víga-Glúms saga, 94 Vígríd, 305 Víkar, death of, 69, 282 Viking Age, 1, 3, 5, 12, 28 eddic poems and, 14 runic alphabet and, 11 Scandinavians/Europeans and, towns of, Index Vili, 24, 62, 77, 117, 128, 129, 215, 316 Bor and, 324 Bur and, 90 Frigg and, 214 Lódur and, 212 Odin and, 247 Vilmeid, 195 Vimur, 137, 144, 286, 290 Vín, 189 Vína, 189 Vindhlér, 168, 170 Vingnir, 221 Vingólf, 198, 316 Vingthór, 57 Vóden See Odin Volla, 132, 227 Vưlsunga saga, 26, 37, 58, 116, 258 Völund, 14, 103, 316–17 depiction of, 317 (illus.) elves and, 110 Völundarkvida, 13–14, 56 elves and, 110 Völuspá (Snorri), 12–13, 19, 34, 317–19 Codex Regius version of, 65, 177, 244 cyclic system/linear system in, 39, 42–43 oral version of, 65 past/present/future in, 40 See also “Short Völuspá” “Völuspá—cyklisk tidsopfattelse i gammelnordisk religion” (Schjødt), 43 Vör, 319 Voss, 94 Wagner, Richard, 37, 38, 254 Die Wälkure (Wagner), 37, 38 Wanderer, importance of, 38 Warrior cults, 76 Water, giants and, 291 Wayland the Smith, 110, 316–17 Wodæn, 36 Wodan, 34, 227, 228 World tree See Yggdrasil Worship, 33–36 Wotan, importance of, 38 Y´dalir, 299 Yeller, 156 Ygg, 61, 150, 321 Yggdrasil, 57, 80, 81, 92, 103, 111, 134, 141, 142, 144, 145, 150, 154, 156, 170, 179, 208, 231–32, 243, 254, 270, 274, 312, 319–22 gnawing at, 98, 99 Hel and, 172 Lỉrad and, 207 Nídhưgg and, 239 Odin and, 248 Ratatosk and, 259 root of, 301 Thor and, 290 Urdarbrunn and, 301 Ylg, 189, 240 Ymir, 63, 74, 90, 92, 101, 141, 150, 195, 223, 228, 229, 234, 292, 296, 305, 322–25 Aurgelmir and, 64 Élivágar and, 108 killing of, 40, 42, 77, 247 kin of, 64 names for, 82, 88 Odin and, 247 Ynglinga saga (Snorri), 23, 25, 27, 35 Ynglinga tal (Thjódólf of Hvin), 16, 23, 25, 94, 101, 113, 116, 119, 160, 188, 314 on Ingunar-Frey, 201 on Njörd/Skadi, 161 Ynglingar, 25, 194, 326 Ynguni, 326 Yngvi, 23, 200, 326 Yngvi-Frey, 326 Sæming and, 264 Yngvin, 326 Yrsa, 152 Zeus, 203 Thursday and, 202 365 ... Faroes, and Iceland This push was finally to reach Greenland and North America, and it was paralleled by extensive travel from Sweden to the east, to Finland and Russia, down the great Russian... the gods and goddesses and some of the myths attaching to them, and then myths untreated there or in Skáldskaparmál; and finally Ragnarök and its aftermath Then Gylfi/Gangleri hears a crash, and. .. Scandinavian presence was The enormous number of Scandinavian loanwords into English indicates an extended period of contact between the English and the Scandinavians, and as the Scandinavian